For the third consecutive game, LSU’s offense only generated seven hits and Tigers starting pitcher Cooper Moore left the game in the fifth inning with an apparent arm injury as Oklahoma evened up the series with a 4-2 win at Alex Box Stadium-Skip Bertman Field.
Cooper Moore injury: The biggest storyline from this game is that junior right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore left the game, after throwing one pitch in the fifth inning. Coach Jay Johnson noticed that Moore did not look right as he warmed up in-between innings.
His first pitch was a fastball that hit the dirt before it reached home plate. Moore told Johnson his triceps muscle was bothering him, and he’ll be evaluated on Saturday morning.
Hard to say right now, but if Moore must miss time, it’s a blow for one of the strengths of this team, its starting pitching on the weekend.
Not enough from the offense: LSU’s offense continues to be in malaise. Another seven-hit performance, just one extra base hit and that was a majestic solo home run from John Pearson in the second inning.
Give credit to Oklahoma, they made some great plays in the field, including a terrific catch at the wall by Sooners center fielder Jason Walk.
Thirteen strikeouts are what sticks out about this offensive performance. First baseman Zach Yorke had a very tough night with four strikeouts as his average falls to .263 on the season.
LSU only had six at-bats with runners in scoring position. Missed a chance to tie or take the lead in the seventh inning as the Tigers had the bases loaded but Derek Curiel flew out.
Curiel was 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts. The two strikeouts came with runners in scoring position.
What it means: Moore’s injury is concerning. If he misses time, who will fill his spot? Zac Cowan is one possibility, but he’s also had troubles going through a line-up twice, since he’s just a two-pitch pitcher, fastball and changeup.
The offense has been concerning for a while. John Pearson and Omar Serna have been producing lately, but other than Jake Brown, no one really scares you in this line-up.
Let’s see if Jay inserts a new first baseman for Saturday and give Yorke a day off.
William Schmidt will try to pitch LSU to a series victory. Losing a series at home for a team trying to get in a groove would be a tough pill to swallow.
Game 3
LSU – So. RH William Schmidt (3-1, 3.12 ERA, 26.0 IP, 7 BB, 39 SO)
OU – Fr. LH Cord Rager (2-1, 4.71 ERA, 21.0 IP, 7 BB, 28 SO)
